Businesses need a better deal from energy companies and banks, the leader of an influential body of small businesses says in a new year address that also calls for a shake-up of business rates.

John Allan, national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), warns that small businesses need a fair deal from big energy companies, which have faced criticism for complex charging structures that appear to have little resemblance to the price of energy.

"It is now accepted by all political parties that reform to the structure of the energy market is vital for fairness," Allan says.

"As well as reforming markets, the increasing recognition that small and especially micro businesses who behave like domestic consumers should be afforded similar levels of protection in the market is an important step in the right direction."

Earlier this month the Treasury named the FSB as a "super complainant" with official powers to raise concerns about treatment of small businesses with the Financial Conduct Authority.

"This is a big challenge, but one we are ready for in order to stand up for small firms that have been treated unfairly," Allan says.

The FSB is currently working with the British Chambers of Commerce on a survey of small business banking services.

Allan says he is personally shocked by the high cost of business rates. "In some cases small firms pay more in rates than rent. This cannot be right and the appeals process is often lengthy and unfair.

"Given the cost and unfair process, we are pleased the government has committed to address the appeals backlog, a key ask for the FSB in the Autumn statement.

"The extension of small business rate relief is another win for us too, however our work on business rates is not done. We will step up our pressure for a fundamental review of the system."